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Est. 1837 “TO GLORIFY GOD, & ENJOY HIM FOREVER”
RELIANCE AND REPENTANCE In the words of the David from Psalm 122, I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!” (Ps 122:1). And I am glad indeed. As the Session looked ahead and made plans, we identified July 5th as the first Sunday when our congregation would be gathering again for worship. At the time I am writing this, that remains the plan. I know how much you have been looking forward to this time. I also know that many of us are not without some degree of mixed emotions and concerns as you think about the prospect of gathering together again. So, I would like to address a few points that I believe as pastorally necessary to “say out loud.”
• There will be some who believe we have waited far too long to gather. • There will be some who believe we have not waited long enough. • There will be some who choose to worship at home rather than in person. • There will be some who choose to gather in the sanctuary rather than at home. • There will be some who don’t feel particularly strongly about either option, but may be doing one or
the other not out of preference, but deference. • There are likely other dispositions in addition to these.
So, what shall we say to these things? Well, I have a few thoughts that I think can be helpful for us as a congregation. I want to recognize the fact that there is a range of opinion on all of these matters that effectively places people on spectrum of risk tolerance and risk aversion. It is a reality, and an acceptable one. What would not be acceptable, however, is how this season of life might be used by the enemy of our souls to bring trouble and temptation into our individual lives and divide us as a congregation. What might that look like?
The Risk Tolerant | You perceive very little, perhaps any, threat to you, your health, and that of our community. You’ve been walking through this season with confidence and looking with longing expectation to gathering again as soon as possible. But, the temptation for you is that your confidence may exalt yourself in such a way that you end up looking down on others and considering them not as brave, or faithful, or mature as yourself. In Christ, we have the obligation to bear with one another – humbly – and toward the goal of unity in our mutual forbearance.
The Risk Averse | You perceive more threat to you, your health, and that of our community. You’ve been moving through this season with heightened anxiety and uncertainty. But, the temptation here is to put your ultimate hope in the illusion of your control in securing the potential idol of your personal safety. Where that might leave you is in a place of self-reliance that says, because I am responsible and prepared, I am in control. Again, that leaves you tempted to self-exaltation, the same struggle as the other group.
So, whether you are more risk tolerant or risk adverse as it relates to COVID, we all run the risk of being self-reliant. And when we have come to this realization, we remember again that the invitation to all of us, no matter our disposition, is to continually return to Jesus. In Him, there is grace to lead us in repentance of our self-reliance. In Him, there is grace to teach us patience and humility so that we might learn to live with one another in a way that maintains the unity of the bond of peace.
As your pastor, I am looking forward to the ways that the LORD has used, and will use, this season to strengthen our dependence on Him, and as a result, strengthen the bond of our life together in Christ as His people. And I look forward to seeing you – Lord willing, soon. Until then, may He bless and keep you.
Your Pastor and Friend,
July Newsletter 2020
Volume 14, Issue 7
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Beth Flickinger Cindy Cullen Scott Cullen
Janet Dunlap Norman Dunlap
Beth Easterla Don Easterla
Cora Schafman Peggy Shovar
Keith Wilson - Clerk Steve Morrison
Jim Mueller Kevin Oak Mic Penry
Patrick Shovar
TRUSTEES DEACONS ELDERS Mel Block - Chair
Larry Pithan - Secretary Ken Benningfield
Jeff Fuhr Phil Fuhr
Scott Nelson Jeff Schmidt Chris Stark
1 - Charles & Karen Wesenberg 10 - Tyson & Angie Freyermuth 12 - Jim & Nancy Cooksey 12 - Jason & Stephanie Rursch 12 - Steven & Melissa Woeckener 16 - Kent & Pam Johnson 21 - Shawn & Hillary Terrill 24 - Steve & Cindy Thompson
JULY ANNIVERSARIES
1 - Melissa Woeckener 2 - Cody Bingman 2 - Molly Bingman 4 - Robbyn Ransdell 5 - Don Easterla 5 - Jon Easterla 5 - CJ Elliott 5 - Natalie Fenchel 6 - Janet Dunlap 7 - Pam Pithan 7 - Paige Schmidt 11 - Gene Meredith 11 - Jacob Woeckener 14 - Morgan Flickinger
14 - Marion Oak 14 - Nichole Wistedt 16 - Bailey Woeckener 20 - Clarissa Jahn 20 - Bandon Tomlin 21 - Cindy Cullen 23 - Joseph Gierlus 24 - Henry Wood 26 - Katie Pearson 27 - Owen Freyermuth 27 - Tara Miller 28 - Marion Oak 31 - Shirley Flemming
JULY BIRTHDAYS
GREETERS FOR JULY
Sunday, July 5th - Kevin & Cindy Oak Sunday, July 12th - Mic Penry
Sunday, July 19th - Jason & Beth Flickinger Sunday, July 26th - Jim Mueller & Bob Stegmiller
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May 26, 2020 at 7:00pm Location: Virtual Meeting via Conference Call Attendees Present: Zach Hopkins, Steve Morrison, Jim Mueller, Kevin Oak, Mic Penry, Patrick Shovar, and Keith Wilson. Absent: None A quorum is present. Pastor Zach will act as moderator of the meeting. Zach opened the meeting with prayer. Due to technical difficulties the meeting was limited to a discussion of how and when worship services in the church would resume. Zach had provided the Session with links to various resources such as; CDC Guidelines for Churches, an article from the Gospel Coalition, and information pertaining to Illinois phases. The Session agreed that we should still provide the live Facebook feed after church worship services resume. Zach will work on finalizing his draft of guidelines for distribution to the congregation prior to the resumption of church worship services. Zach will continue to provide updates during the Sunday morning Facebook worship services. The Session scheduled the next meeting for June 9th at 7:00pm. Motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 7:45pm. Motion Carried. Zach closed the meeting with prayer. Keith Wilson, Clerk of Session
SESSION
Some events listed in the newsletter are suspended at this time due to the recommendations and restrictions put in place by our elected officials & healthcare professionals in response to COVID-19. We are praying for many things now. We will keep you posted!
Please watch for updates through emails, on the website, and on our Facebook page. Pastor Zach is Facebook Live every Sunday morning at 10am for worship.
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June 9, 2020 at 7pm Location: Church Basement Attendees Present: Zach Hopkins, Steve Morrison, Jim Mueller, Kevin Oak, Mic Penry, and Patrick Shovar. Absent: Keith Wilson A quorum is present. Pastor Zach will acted as moderator of the meeting. The meeting began with a reading and discussion of Psalm 138. The Elders studied and discussed chapter 7 of The Shepherd Leader by Timothy Witmer. The Elders prayed for individual members of the congregation. Approval/Amendment of Docket: Motion made and seconded to approve the docket. Motion carried. Approval of Minutes: May 26, 2020 minutes were reviewed. Motion made, seconded and approved. Ministry Report:
• Visits: Phone Calls and Cards sent to members and friends. • Committee/Ministry Meetings: Mission Committee, RLP Ministerial Committee.
OLD BUSINESS:
• The Resource Cabinet at Lisa Bowman’s home has received only light use, but she continues to be willing to have it available. She has the Session’s appreciation.
Committee Reports:
• Trustees/Jim: Jim reported that trustees are looking to have the siding job begin shortly. • Deacons/Patrick: Patrick reported that the deacons have been sending out many cards and making
many phone calls. They hope to have some sort of physical meeting in the near future. NEW BUSINESS:
• The Session reviewed May’s financial statement from the church. Although this is the Trustees primary oversight, the Session also desired to know the financial position of the church during the COVID period.
• Discussion about permanent livestreaming setup. It was moved, seconded, and approved to recommend to the Trustees the purchase of a 20x PTZ Camera along with other associated equipment. It was also clear that this was a ministry that someone needs to “take ownership of.”
• Plans for resuming worship were discussed. It was moved, seconded, and approved to identify July 5th as the first Sunday when the church would have on site worship since the state of Illinois was moving into Phase Four of the recommended guidelines. It was further agreed that communion should be served on the 12th of July. The procedures for distribution were discussed and further discussion is necessary.
• Music Director – Zach reminded the Session to prayerfully consider our need for a choir director this fall. The next Stated Session meeting will be: June 30th, 2020 at 7pm. The Session will study Chapter 8 of The Shepherd Leader by Timothy Witmer. Motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 9:30pm. Motion Carried. Zach closed the meeting with prayer.
SESSION
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Resuming Corporate Worship
General Items
• Individuals in at-risk health groups (including the elderly, presently ill/symptomatic, and those on
medications that suppress the immune system) are encouraged to continue worshipping at home by
livestream.
• All in-person Sunday School classes will remain suspended at this time.
• For those choosing to worship on site, the use of masks will be encouraged for entry and exit. Once you
are seated in a pew, and appropriately distanced, the continued use of a mask will be up to the
conscience of the individual worshipper. They will not be required during the service. If you would like a
mask, one will be available to you while supplies last.
• We encourage you to maintain appropriate physical distance while on the church grounds. While we
recognize a deep longing for fellowship, we encourage you to avoid shaking hands or other forms of
physical contact for the present time.
• If you would like to convene in small groups please do so in the parking lot only.
On-Site Practices
• Out of consideration for others, and to accommodate capacity limits, please arrive 15 minutes before
service in order to allow for seating arrangements and lessen disruption to the beginning of the service.
• Please refer to the attached map to see the appropriate entry/exit points to accommodate one-way
direction of movement inside the facility.
• Livestream equipment will remain setup in the sanctuary to accommodate those who choose to
worship at home. We hope this will only be minimally distracting to those worshiping on site and we
appreciate everyone’s understanding.
• Seating will be available in various limited capacities (see map below):
• Sanctuary seating will be available and appropriately spaced to allow for social distancing
between family units. Those pews containing stacked Bibles and hymnals will be off-limits. Limit:
50 worshippers.
• Additional limited seating will be available in the balcony.
• Once the attendance limit has been met in the sanctuary (50), worshippers will be directed to
the basement where the service will be live-streamed (audio & video).
• Offering plates will be placed just outside the sanctuary doors to collect tithes and offerings. Online
giving is also available and encouraged. You may also mail your contributions directly to the church
[Edgington EPC - 13228 140th Street West – Taylor Ridge, IL 61284].
• Pews will be dismissed to allow for easy exit.
Cont. on p. 6
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Cont. from p. 5
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TRUSTEES
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Date: 05/13/2020
Present: Ken Benningfield, Mel Block, Jeff Fuhr, Scott Nelson, Larry Pithan, Jeff Schmidt, Chris Stark, Jeff Thomas, Treasurer Cindy Oak, Session Representative Jim Mueller. Meeting via teleconference.
Mel opened the meeting with a prayer at 7:00pm.
Minutes from the April 8, 2020 meeting were reviewed and approved.
Reviewed the Treasurer’s report for March. Motion made and seconded to approve the report as presented – motion carried.
Old Business: • Mel has been working to smooth the soil in the front yard where the new septic system was installed. We
will need some additional dirt and more work. Plan to wait until later this year to seed the lawn to allow dirt to settle.
• Photo cells have been replaced in the parking lot lights. • Class for AED usage on hold. • Ball on top of the flag pole has fallen off and needs to be replaced.
New Business: • ADB Contractors plan to start siding on east side of church later this month. They have had some delays due
to COVID-19. Jeff Thomas will obtain the required building permit. • Janet Jack historical plaque has been installed in the front vestibule and will be dedicated at a later date. • Pastor Zach and Kenzie have completed their move from the manse. Trustees are now responsible for
upkeep. Church is responsible for all expenses. • Water heater at manse is leaking and needs to be replaced. Trustees will either complete the work or hire an
outside contractor. • Trustees agreed to meet at the Manse at 7:00pm on May 14th to review condition and determine work
required before the house is placed on the market.
Mel closed the meeting with a prayer at 7:35pm. Thursday – 5/14/2020
Trustees met at 7:00pm at the manse for a walk-through inspection. Overall the house is in good condition. The trustees thank Pastor Zach and Kenzie for their stewardship of the property.
The following items were observed for possible repair before placing house on the market: − Replace trim on garage service door − Replace bi-fold door hardware in bedroom − Clean burn pile area in back yard − Clean gutters − Fix/replace outside sidewalk light fixture − Replace 8 ceiling fan bulbs − Clean/trim landscape around house − Clean some window screens − Replace register in master bedroom − Replace water heater − Possibly will need to have septic tank pumped
Trustees are aware of a potential buyer for the property who would be willing to purchase “as-is”. We agreed to obtain a professional appraisal to assist with determining a sale price.
Respectfully submitted,
Larry Pithan
DEACONS
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Date: June 28, 2020 In attendance for the virtual meeting were: Cindy and Scott Cullen, Beth Flickinger, Cora Schafman, Peggy Shovar, Session Representative Patrick Shovar, Jan and Norm Dunlap, and Beth and Don Easterla. Beth opened the meeting with a reading of Romans 5:1-5 and prayer. Minutes from the February Meeting: Approved as written. February- June Activities: Numbers of visits include all cards, phone calls, emails, text messages and visits, so the number is higher than usual, and that total since February is 236 visits. Old Business:
• Delivered 9 may baskets to shut-ins and eye-on- you shut ins. • Blood drive results: Blood drive was held March 7, with 29 total units donated (23 whole blood + 3
double red cells) and only had 1 deferral. Next blood drive will be held on Sat. Sept 12th. • Instead of college final care packages, encouraging e-mails and e-gift cards were sent 6 college students.
New Business: Deacons to begin calling for greeters again and will share the following information with them:
• Arrive 30 min early, as worshippers are asked to arrive 15 min early. • No shaking hands or passing out bulletins – can be picked up • Hold door open at main entrance (can be done electronically). This is the ONLY entry point. • After service: hold / electronically lock main door open after service AND hold Sunday School/basement
door open (can stand behind it to stay safe) • Offering plate will be at exit (not passed during service) will be place where can place offering when
leaving or pay electronically General information for in-person worship:
• Worship will still be live streamed. • Masks encouraged for entering & exiting. Wearing once in the pew is up to the individual (not required
during the service; limited masks available) • Seating will be spaced out & limited to 50 in the sanctuary, few in the balcony, and more in the
basement (live streamed) • every other pew will be blocked off • No small group congregating inside – take it to the parking lot • Communion – Individual packages with a cup and a wafer will be passed around by the Elders to each
attendee. The next virtual Deacon meeting will be held August 16th at 11:30am. Beth closed meeting with prayer. Respectfully submitted, Cindy Cullen
SUNDAY SCHOOL/CHRISTIAN ED.
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May 2020 In lieu of a regular meeting, an exchange of group texts and emails substituted for the Spring Sunday school meeting. Participating were teachers Beth Flickinger, Kortney Gierlus, Tara Johnson, Brandee Neece, Deanna Parchert, Katie Pearson, Kathy Stegmiller, Hillary Terrill, and Session representative Mic Penry. Teachers expressed how much they missed seeing their children in class. Some had been reaching out to their students via phone. Several had been following along with the Sunday school material attached with the bulletin and watching the online video weekly. Brandee Neece started an online Sunday school class for the high schoolers, continuing to use the GCP curriculum. A packet of Easter-themed materials was delivered to families with younger children. Tara organized a sympathy card and gift basket for the Collison children on behalf of the Sunday school. It was recommended for the Jr High to meet along with the High School. Brandee invited several Jr High students to join her class, and has had good attendance from both age groups. The class will continue through June and then take a break for the summer. Beth set up a Zoom meeting for 1-room Sunday school class for the younger ages (3 years – 5th grade) and also has had several families join. It was discussed and recommended to switch to a curriculum designed for somewhat older students vs. the preschool material being shared electronically from GCP. Student packs of GCP’s Growing in God were ordered & delivered so that children could follow along as similar to normal Sunday school as possible. Kathy volunteered to help teach if someone could help with the technology part. It also was recommended to continue to send out the electronically available Sunday school materials in the bulletin and cover them in Kid’s Kirk, as not all families were able to join a virtual meeting. It was decided to hold off on making any decisions about the Back to School Fishing Derby, Promotion Sunday or Harvest Party until later in the summer. Respectfully Submitted, Beth Flickinger
JAHN SCHOLARSHIP FUND
The Jahn Family Scholarship was established to benefit Youth and Students of Edgington EPC as they pursue academic and spiritual growth through education.
If you are preparing to further your education and meet the requirements listed below, please go to the website, hover over the About Us tab, then on the drop down box hover over What We Believe, and click on the Church Facility Use, Requests…& Forms. Scroll down to the graduation cap and click on that. A PDF of the Jahn Scholarship Fund form should come up in a new window. You could also just on this link HERE.
Once you have filled out the form submit it to the office by NO LATER than AUGUST 24th. Session will review your request at their August meeting the next evening.
REQUIREMENTS: 1. Be an active member of Edgington EPC. 2. Requests must be submitted to the office by the August Session meeting for approval. 3. Update the Church about your educational and spiritual growth.
Check out the next several pages for
the ministries we support ,and for ways
that you can get plugged in personally!
MISSION COMMITTEE
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May 19, 2020 The Mission Committee met on May 19, 2020 at 6:30pm via video conference. Those attending were: Barb Freyermuth, Deb Wagamon, Todd Stegmiller, Nancy Engstrom, and Zach Hopkins. Zach opened the meeting in prayer Old Business:
• Minutes from Previous April Meeting: approved • Church and Community Status: Virtual attendance for Sunday service continues to be strong and well
received. Zach discussed the status of church openings. The church will not be opening until the mandates are lifted. Current mandates are still limiting 10 or less per gathering. There is discussion around a small adult Bible study being organized. Zach is also looking at enhancing Sunday service with Missionary interviews to help us understand the needs of the missionary families we support. Other updates included the food pantry, which is well stocked and stable at this time; and there are currently no requests for assistance that have not been addressed by the congregation. God has indeed blessed our church abundantly during this time of isolation.
• Pregnancy Resources: They are still scheduled for a fund raising gala to be held on June 18, 2020. This will be a virtual gala, and we will continue to pray for the success of this ministry.
• Buddy Bags: Barb will check with Lisa to see if she was able to gather any information about the local families who have a need in our area. Any immediate needs will be addressed by the committee; future needs will be discussed at our June meeting.
New Business:
• Youth Hope: Youth Hope had a virtual fund raiser, but fell short of the necessary funding they identified for the 2020 activity year. We discussed additional funding for this ministry, but decided we would rather wait until the restrictions are lifted and Youth Hope determines what ministries will be continuing this year and where the greatest need will be. We can then address that need with additional funding. In the interim, the staff at Youth Hope is in phone contact with their children to address any concerns they may be having. We continue to pray for the safety and wellbeing of these children.
• Winnie’s Place: Nancy updated us on a new safety project at Winnie’s Place. They need to replace the stairs and 2nd floor deck. This is the exit from the building to the parking lot and utilized by most occupants. The committee discussed this new project and approved a $500 donation. Winnie’s Place is still in need of supplies such as paper towels, canned soup, canned meats, disinfectant wipes. The donation bin will remain in place at Lisa’s house. Please continue to place your donations in the bin and Nancy will deliver them to Winnie’s Place. The Metro will continue to offer free bus service through June 2020 so bus passes will not be needed at this time.
• Minute for Mission: Todd has volunteered to be part of an interview with Pastor Jeff Lancaster, who is planting churches in Chicago. This will help our congregation better understand the mission in Chicago and how God is working in the lives of these people.
Barb closed the meeting in prayer Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday June 16, 2020 at 6:30pm
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Praise Reports: • Over 5,000 student touchpoints (phone calls, home visits, small groups, Facetime,
etc.) happened during the COVID Shelter-in-Place! We praise God for the right staff for such a time as this! We praise Him for what He did and will continue to do with those seeds planted.
• We Praise the Lord for leading us through digital camp registrations! Over 200 registrations completed in 2 weeks! We have talked with hundreds of parents and families to coordinate camp sign up!
• We praise the Lord for giving us the time to honor, celebrate and bless our 28 graduating seniors! This is our largest graduating class to date, and we thank God for using COVID to be able to focus on them despite not seeing them face-to-face.
• This Sunday we honored Chris Britton and his family because he has accepted a job with the Rock Island-Milan School District. We praise God for this new chapter for them and all He will do through Chris in the public schools. We thank God for ALL the time he has put in at YouthHope!
Prayer Requests:
• Please pray for the health, safety, stamina, energy, and wisdom of our staff! We will be transporting kids and teens to and from YouthHope's Camp Summit - SIX days a week for FOUR weeks! Please pray for our training and all our new safety protocols. Lord we need you!! God, please give us wisdom, Your vision, and heavenly protection.
• Father, please prepare the kids and teens coming to Camp Summit! Open their hearts, and direct our staff to teach, listen and pray according to YOUR will. We expect our most dynamic and impactful summer. Pray we clearly hear the Lord, and He has prepared the way for the campers to experience His love in outstanding and miraculous ways!
• Pappa God, we need you to give us amazing weather for the time kids and teens are at Camp Summit! We will be outside A LOT. Lord, please orchestrate the weather to create the camp experience these kids and teens need.
• Please pray for Dave Hodge: his grandmother passed away this weekend. Please pray for them as they travel for funeral arrangements. Lord give him peace and joy along the way.
• Please pray for our graduates! They will lean on the scripture and testimonies they've heard here, and follow the path God has placed before them. Father, please protect them, lead them, and wrap your loving arms around them.
• Please pray for our budget: we pray for favor and the Lord to continue to provide for YouthHope! • Please pray for our board of directors: we have several chairs opening this year, and we need the Lord's
divine appointments to fill these critical spots to guide our organization into the future.
Thank you so much for your continued prayers! They are so important and we know God hears us! You are a blessing and we are grateful for your partnership in ministry!
For more information and a direct link to YouthHope’s website donation page click HERE - use the donation drop down box to designate which part of the ministry you want your donation to be allocated to.
Questions? Want to help? Contact Hannah at (309) 762-4577 or email: [email protected]
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Cont. from p. 12
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PRAISES & PRAYER REQUESTS:
• Pray for 2 very abortion-minded women who had their ultrasounds at Pregnancy Resources last week. They are conflicted, yet say they have already made a decision. Pray that they will consider the life the ultrasound images revealed and will want to sustain that life.
• Praise God that we had a strong turn out of potential new volunteers at PRC 101 volunteer training last week! Pray that God will direct peoples’ next steps accordingly.
• Pray for the comfort of a Pregnancy Resources staff member whose father passed away last week. • Pray for the Pregnancy Resources client who left her ultrasound appointment undecided and facing pressure from a
parent to abort. • Pray for an out-of-town client who is in need of life-affirming care. • Pray for the area pastors as they continue to minister to their congregations and plan for the future. • Pray for the Virtual Banquet that took place last week and for donations to continue to come in. Praise God for His
continued provision during this time! • Praise God that the classes at Pregnancy Resources have started up again! • Pray for the many abortion-minded and abortion-vulnerable clients that we have been seeing in our Centers. Pray that
God would soften their hearts toward their children and that they would find the support that they need to choose Life! • Praise God for the continued health and safety of our staff and volunteers! ~ Marissa J. Foss, Admin. Assistant
Do you feel that God is calling you to make a difference in the life of a new Mom or Dad? Be part of our team and offer hope and healing in the name of Christ.
NEW VOLUNTEER TRAINING SCHEDULE FOR 2020: SEPTEMBER 29, 30, & OCTOBER 1
Cont. on p. 15
VOLUNTEER
Prayer Warrior Network
Intercessory prayer is an integral component of our ministry.
Prayer warriors see the battle and consistently take action by coming before God and lifting
the needs, struggles, and victories of Pregnancy
Resources staff, volunteers, and patients.
Contact [email protected] to receive weekly, ministry-specific prayer requests & praise reports.
We provide FREE maternity and baby clothes and items to women and their families who need them. Families are given the opportunity to shop after taking a parenting class. Each class they take gives them diaper support and if they take four classes, they can receive a NEW car seat for FREE. All the items we give out are donated by people just like you. If you’d like to donate new or gently used items, we would greatly appreciate your help.
Maternity & baby items we love getting: Baby clothes Sizes: preemie – 3T (New or Gently used) Receiving Blankets Modern Pregnancy Clothes, all sizes (New or Gently used) NEW Baby Bottles and Nipples pacifiers Diapers (Sizes: Newborn – size 5) Baby Swings Baby Wipes Strollers Cozy Baby Blankets (purchased or homemade) Pack ‘n Plays
PLEASE NOTE: Because of safety issues, we cannot accept: used car seats, used cribs, used bottles, used bottle nipples, or used breast pumps. Questions about clothing room donations? Just call us at (563)386-3737 or (309)797-3636.
Want to register? Need more info? Please email or call Marissa at
[email protected] | 563-386-3737 Click on the Pregnancy Resources logo at the top left to be taken to their site and
learn more.
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Cont. from p. 14
WINNIE’S PLACE Women In Need - Nurtured Into Excellence
COVID-19 Winnie's Wishes Resale Shop Update
Thank you for supporting our store and Winnie’s Place Shelter. We’re potentially opening soon! Beginning on June 26th, we hope to be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10am – 3pm. We will begin accepting donations by appointment, beginning June 29th. We need volunteers. If you are interested in helping, call Donna at 563-340-8264 or contact our office at 563-332-5002. Send email inquiries to Betsy at [email protected] or Kim at [email protected]. For the safety of our volunteers, face masks will be required to shop - no exceptions. Keep following us for more information! Shelter Coordinators: Juanita Bea, Denis Grimes, Debbie Jackson, MariAnn McWhitley, Corretta Nunn, and Kimberly Reese
Shelter Phone #: 309-757-0757
1605 Harrison St., Davenport, IA Click the logo to be linked to Winnie’s Wishes FB page.
2020 Youth Mission Trip Cancelled
Due to COVID-19 Group Mission Trips has cancelled all of their planned workcamps.
We will look forward to 2021 and pray that those we were going to serve will be taken care of by others that God will send.
Cont. on p. 16
Because Winnie’s Wishes is closed we have lost some of our revenue for Winnie’s Place. We are in need of donations now more than ever!
Needs: All Non-Perishable Food Items, Disinfecting spray, Disinfecting Wipes, Aluminum Foil, Laundry Detergent, Postage Stamps, Batteries (AA, AAA, C, & D)
ALL food pantry type items - All Non-Perishable Food Items
The Mission Committee has placed a large plastic tub next to the resource cabinet on Lisa Bowman’s front porch for donations to be placed in. You may drop off your items at any time.
10400 78th Ave. W., Andalusia, IL 61232
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HUBER-VENTURES - "And who is my neighbor?"
Please note: for the safety and security of our global partners I cannot link the entire update for this month. If you would like receive the update, please email the church office and I will send it to you. [email protected] ....The cancellation of SMJ 2020 has been discouraging. We were preparing to go back to Hamtramck, MI with four times as many youth and were eager to see how God would work things out, how he would move in the hearts of everyone going on the trip, and especially how he would work in the Muslim community there. Recently, though, we were reminded that God is still working in the midst of viruses and cancelled events.
There’s been a severe shortage of food and resources in Hamtramck due to Covid-19 hitting just after 300 new families arrived from Bangladesh. Our WO missionary family planted there has been able to distribute food and masks to these families through generous funding from the EPC. When the Muslim families learned that the masks and food were from Christian churches (the same churches who had sent their kids to serve last year!) - there was a tremendous response of thankfulness. Our WO worker there says that many of his friends now have a whole new perspective on Christianity.
We’re thinking through how to do this in our corner of the world as well. Our thoughts about who our neighbors are have been greatly impacted by the events of the past week. Our work through World Outreach focuses on reaching out to Muslims and we will continue to do that. But we are realizing that for a long time our brothers and sisters of color haven’t been treated as neighbors in our country. We haven’t loved them as we love ourselves. It has made us think as parents about how we can better educate our kids about all people being created in the image of God, loved by God and about the reality of the sin of racism. So, as work travel has been canceled for us, we’re thinking about our community in Southern Illinois and how we can be faithful in loving our neighbors that are different from us. There are African American brothers and sisters that we can and should be reaching out to through relationship and Christ’s love. We also need to make sure that we don't just speak empty words, but that these intentions produce lasting fruit..... Pray/Praise With Us Here are some ways we'd love your prayers this month:
1. Pray for our country and the work of racial reconciliation that needs to happen--from individuals and families all the way up to the federal level.
2. Praise God for YOU! We are so grateful for our partners in ministry and God’s provision through you, not just financially but through your prayers, help with our kids, encouraging notes and reminders. Thank you.
3. Work/life balance! Always, but especially as we see how things work with a newborn...thanks for your prayers for the daily, mundane, figuring-it-out.
4. Please pray for each of the new things we're trying work-wise: for SMJ Replanted, the college cohort, coaching, and our internship.
5. Pray for our hearts to be continually stirred up and softened toward the unreached people groups the EPC is reaching around the world!
6. For opportunities to share the love of Jesus.
Please let us know how we can be praying for you.
Thank you so much for your support! We couldn't do this work without you.
Much love, Saul, Jesse, Zuri, Samwell, and Salem, and Zola Family Update The highlights from a very quiet May for our family were the addition of a sandbox to our backyard, lots of time outside, hiking, picking strawberries, and enjoying the beautiful weather (no humidity yet!), an outdoor pancake picnic for Mother's Day, and Saul's house project of the month: resurfacing our concrete patio (pictured below).
Cont. from p. 15
Cont. on p. 17
NEED A HAND OR ENCOURAGEMENT? ASK A DEACON!
The Deacons’ charge is to care for the church body. You may already know that we provide delicious treats to celebrate new members, collect coats for those in need, and organize blood drives. But did you
now that we are ready to serve in other ways, too?
Here are some of the ways a Deacon can help out: • Visit shut-ins (including those who are temporarily unable to make it to worship) to provide cheer and
recordings of the sermon (during this time, they will make calls to visit over the phone) • Deliver meals to those who are injured, ill, or have experienced a loss • Visit widows(ers) to comfort and provide company (again, during this time, calls will be made) • Send cards to recognize milestone birthdays and anniversaries, and express condolences • Organize transportation to doctor’s appointments (please give advance notice)
Especially during this difficult time our Deacons are trying to be sure that our church family is well cared for. Please, if you or someone you know could benefit in one of these areas, please let a Deacon know right away. We try to anticipate needs, but we are only human, and need help with knowing needs! The 2020 Deacon team includes Scott & Cindy Cullen, Norman & Janet Dunlap, Don & Beth Easterla, Beth Flickinger, Cora Shafman, & Peggy Shovar.
For many years now Edgington EPC has been a host site for Senior Meals. The doors are open here for meals on Monday, Thursday, and Friday.
Meals are available for a suggested donation of $3 to anyone 60+ years or with a disability. If you are new to the program, you need to call 309-788-6335 the day before to request your meal.
Those who attend regularly come early to play cards and enjoy each other’s company for a little longer than just meal time.
If you would like more information or want to check out the menu for the month click the Project Now logo above for the link to their website or call 309-788-6335.
PROUDLY SERVING
SENIORS SINCE 1968
NOTE: All Meal Sites are cancelled until the restrictions concerning COVID-19 have been lifted and it is deemed safe to gather together again. HOWEVER, meals are still being delivered to
individual’s homes! Please contact Project Now if you or someone you know could benefit from this service! Their number is 309-788-6335 or you can email the director, Michelle Dyer, at
Michelle also wants to encourage anyone that has not filled out their Census 2020 forms to do so, as it affects the funding our area receives, including Project Now’s funding. If you have any
questions or need help filling out your form Project Now will help you. Just call the number above and someone will walk you through it.
HERE is a flyer with the link to the Census 2020 website and phone numbers.
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Cont. from p. 16
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TREASURER’S REPORT Cont. from p. 18
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Do you know of anyone that is missing out on receiving the Edgington EPC
Newsletter each month? If so, please contact the church office at 309-795-
1713 or [email protected] and let me know. I will be happy to make arrangements for it to be received by
whatever means works best.
The newsletter is distributed via email and postal service. It is also posted to Facebook page each month and our
website: edgingtonepc.org.
Thank you so much! ~ Lisa Bowman
GET YOUR JULY COPY OF
THE TABLETALK DEVOTIONAL
LOC AT ED IN THE RE SOU RCE C ABINE T ON LIS A BO WMAN ’S F RON T P ORCH UNT IL JUL Y 5 T H
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CURRENT SERMON SERIES
Pastor Zach had interrupted the “Sermon on the Mount, Series on Matthew 5-7” during this time of worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, for a series on the Psalms of Ascent.
The Psalms of Ascent includes Psalms 120 - 134. Because he only had one psalm left, he wanted to finish by preaching through them all. Each of these psalms begins with the title, “A Song of Ascents”, as the Jews traveling to Jerusalem for one of the three annual festivals traditionally sang these songs on the uphill road into the city.
The theme of each Song offers much encouragement for those seeking to worship God today.
Sunday, July 5th - Psalm 134 Sunday, July 12th - TBA Sunday, July 19th - TBA Sunday, July 26th - TBA
SCRIPTURE LINKS - Download the apps!
ESV.org is an online Bible reading tool created to help you read and engage with God's Word. While many features of the site are available without signing in, we invite you to create a free account, which makes it easy to save personal notes, highlight favorite verses, and start interactive reading plans.
(Click on the images to go to their websites)
Blue Letter Bible provides powerful tools for an in-depth study of God’s Word through our free online reference library, with study tools that are grounded in the historical, conservative Christian faith. We view the Bible as central to our study resources. We intentionally designed the website to include study tools that are linked directly to Bible passages. Dig deep into the Word using commentaries, encyclopedias, maps/images and much more. One of our most used tools is the
Lexicon search, which gives users immediate access to the original Hebrew and Greek words.
Pastor Zach will continue tobe Facebook Live every Sunday morning at 10am for our Lord’s Day Worship Service .
If you are not already a member of our Facebook group, please click on the image for the link. “Like” our page and request to join. We are pretty quick to respond. Make sure you are “following” our page and turn your notifications setting on if you would like to receive a notification when Pastor Zach begins to stream. We will post a worship guide each Sunday morning at 8am that includes our Children’s Sunday School lessons and a curriculum video link.
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CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES Every Sunday morning at 9am
We use Great Commission Publications various curriculum based on each grade level.
Toddler - Hillary Terrill & Kortney Geirlus Pre-K - Beth Flickinger 1st-2nd - Katie Pearson 3rd-5th - Kathy Stegmiller Junior High - Tara Johnson & Deanna Parchert Senior High - Brandee Neece
We look forward to the privilege of caring for and teaching your children about Jesus each Sunday!
All of Scripture is the unfolding story of
salvation and Jesus is its focus. We show
how Jesus, revealed throughout the Bible,
came to seek and save the lost.
In 2020, the Adult Sunday School class will be going through the list of questions submitted to Pastor Zach in the fall. However, additional questions and discussion will be welcome!
We all have questions, and the best way to grow in our faith is to ask them! So please, join us and ask anything!
All adults are welcome and encouraged to join us for growth in their walk with Christ!
Looking forward to seeing you there!
We are thankful to be able to gather together again for Sunday Worship, but we will not yet be meet-ing for Sunday School classes. We look forward to that day, and can’t wait to go deep into God’s Word
once it is deemed safe to do so for all of our church family !
The Children’s Sunday School lessons are included in the Worship guides that we are sending out each Friday afternoon and posting on Facebook Sunday mornings at 8am.
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PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
No Meeting this Month
All women of the church are welcome! We usually meet on the first Thursday of every month for Bible
study (often led by Pastor Zach) and association business.
Throughout the year, the PW hosts various events, which includes refreshments for special services, luncheons for special meetings and funerals. We hold a rummage and bake sale as a fundraiser every year, and sometimes a soup luncheon as well. We help financially support many projects throughout
the church, as well as mission work locally, nationally, and abroad. Please join us!
We look forward to seeing you there!
ALL submissions for the August Newsletter must be in by NO LATER
than Wednesday, July 15th. Items received after that date may not make
it into the newsletter. Thank you for your cooperation!
~ Lisa Bowman, Office Manager
QUILTING DAY No Quilting this month
We usually meet on the third Thursday of each month from 9am - Noon.
Please come and join us as we create, piece, and sew quilts to present to next year’s
graduating seniors, as well as Winnie’s Place.
Even if you don’t know how to sew, but can operate a pair of scissors and/or an iron, we would love to have you! If we can increase
our production, we will be able to bless even more people in the community.
Please consider joining us!
LORI DIXON HAS RETIRED
We would like to extend our most heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Lori for her
almost 18 years of service to our church as Choir Director.
You have led and sang and accompanied. You have created beautiful Christmas Cantatas, special music, and many other worshipful productions that lifted our hearts to God as we listened or
joined in the singing.
You will be sorely missed, but the joy and beauty you have brought to us will remain in our hearts forever.
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